Laura Tapscott
Richhill,Armagh
Summary
Dedicated educator with strong pedagogical knowledge and expertise in early literacy and numeracy, particularly phonics and core maths skills. Demonstrates proficiency in curriculum planning, assessment for learning, and behaviour management to create a productive classroom environment. Committed to inclusivity and cultural awareness, consistently promoting diversity and equality. Utilises educational technology effectively to enhance learning experiences. Known for professionalism, reliability, and collaboration with support staff and leadership teams. Career goal: to continue fostering an inclusive learning environment that supports varied abilities and promotes academic excellence.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work history
Early Years Lead, Reception Class Teacher and DDSL
Bradford Grammar School
Bradford, West Yorkshire
01.2024 - Current
- Planned and developed the new Early Years and KS1 development building project.
- Planned and resources both P1 and P2 classrooms, servery options, outdoor environment and the curriculum development prior to September 2024 launch.
- Built excellent relationships with children and family members, offering continued trust and safety in care provisions.
- Implemented Safeguarding Procedures to monitor and protect children.
- Communicated daily observations with guardians, maintaining detailed development records using online Tapestry software.
- Applied Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework knowledge to drive curriculum attainment.
- Assessed and monitored child progression, using Cambridge Insight Assessments to measure progress and attainment.
- Key Stage One Phonics and Reading Lead.
Early Years Lead, Senior Leader and Class Teacher
Surrey County Council
Englefield Green, Surrey
01.2015 - 08.2023
- Specialising in Early Years for over a decade, I collaborated with fellow Senior Leadership Team (SLT) colleagues and Governors to successfully enhance EYFS provision to create outstanding learning opportunities for each child.
- During the initial part of my career at St Cuthbert’s in 2015, I redesigned the indoor and outdoor classrooms to create a stimulating and purposeful environment that provided children with vast learning opportunities across the seven learning areas.
- In re-writing and continuously updating the EYFS curriculum with local and national initiatives throughout my career to date, I have implemented an inspiring reception curriculum. Upon my successful proposal to governors to acquire ‘Read Write Inc’ in 2022, I worked closely with the Assistant Head to deliver training to staff and parents, before applying this program in the classroom.
- As a member of SLT in charge of ‘Personal Development and Behaviour Welfare’ lead, I successfully incorporated all members of the school community when creating and implementing school policy. From whole school assemblies, parent workshops, presentations to all staff, and training and mentoring of peer mediators, I lead our team to achieve the gold status in the ‘Anti-Bullying Charter Mark’. Such collaborative leadership has also been displayed in my work with the Parent Teacher Association (PTA); in 2021, for example, my presentations to the PTA culminated in the purchase of new playground equipment for KS1.
Nursery Teacher
Little Cherubs Montessori Nursery
South Kensington, London
09.2014 - 12.2014
- Collaborated with colleagues to create engaging lesson plans, improving learning outcomes.
- Prepared nutritious snacks for the children, promoting a healthy lifestyle from an early age
- Communicated daily observations with guardians, maintaining detailed development records.
- Managed children's behaviour with consistent rules and boundaries.
Class Teacher
Gateshead Council
Dunston, Newcastle upon Tyne
09.2011 - 08.2014
- Plan, prepare, and deliver engaging, developmentally appropriate lessons in accordance with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework.
- Create a safe, nurturing, and inclusive learning environment that supports the emotional, social, and academic development of all pupils.
- Observe, assess, and record each child’s progress using EYFS assessment guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation to inform planning and reporting.
- Differentiate instruction to meet the diverse needs, abilities, and learning styles of pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
- Foster positive relationships with children, parents, carers, and colleagues, maintaining clear and professional communication at all times.
- Manage classroom behaviour effectively in line with school policies, promoting positive values and social skills.
- Collaborate with teaching assistants and support staff to ensure high-quality provision and smooth classroom operations.
- Prepare and organise learning resources and materials to support curriculum delivery and enrich the learning experience.
- Contribute to whole-school initiatives, meetings, and professional development activities to support continuous improvement.
- Ensure the safeguarding and welfare of all children by adhering to statutory requirements and school policies.
- Encourage independence, curiosity, and a love of learning through play-based and structured activities.
- Engage in reflective practice to evaluate the effectiveness of teaching strategies and make improvements where necessary.
Education
PGCE - Primary Education
Northumbria University
Newcastle upon Tyne 09.2010 - 06.2011
Bachelor of Arts - Early Childhood Studies
Stranmillis University College
Belfast 09.2007 - 07.2010
Skills
- Strong pedagogical knowledge – understands how children learn and can adapt teaching strategies
- Ability to differentiate for varied abilities, SEND needs, and learning styles
- Assessment for learning (AfL) – uses formative and summative assessment effectively
- Curriculum planning – designs creative, coherent, and well-sequenced lessons
- Behaviour management – uses consistent, positive strategies to maintain a productive classroom
- Early literacy & numeracy expertise – particularly phonics, reading development, and core maths skills
- Strong organisational and time-management skills – planning, marking, data handling, and classroom organisation
- Consistent safeguarding awareness – understanding responsibilities and demonstrating vigilance
- Collaboration and teamwork – working effectively with support staff, SENCOs, and leadership
- Reflective practice – evaluates teaching and responds to feedback
- Professionalism and reliability – punctuality, accountability, and integrity
- Effective use of educational technology (whiteboards, assessment tools, online learning)
- Cultural awareness and inclusivity – promoting diversity and equality
Certification
Traffic Light Training, Brook, 21.01.2025
Designated Safeguarding Lead, NSPCC on 9.10.2024
Read, Write Inc Phonics Training, Ruth Miskin, on 2.09.2024, 3.09.2024, 3.01.2025 and 26.09.2024
ICT Level 3 Award in Paediatric First Aid, CLX First Aid on 17.06.2024
Senior Leadership, Encompass, 25.06.2016
Middle Leadership, Encompass, on 25.06.2015
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Early Years Lead, Reception Class Teacher and DDSL
Bradford Grammar School
01.2024 - Current
Early Years Lead, Senior Leader and Class Teacher
Surrey County Council
01.2015 - 08.2023
Nursery Teacher
Little Cherubs Montessori Nursery
09.2014 - 12.2014
Class Teacher
Gateshead Council
09.2011 - 08.2014
PGCE - Primary Education
Northumbria University
09.2010 - 06.2011
Bachelor of Arts - Early Childhood Studies
Stranmillis University College
09.2007 - 07.2010